The Enigma That is Jacoby Jones

Could Jacoby Jones be the perfect embodiment of the Houston Texans? Filled with talent and potential, Jones has yet to make meaningful impact in his three NFL seasons. Sure, he did have two punt return touchdowns in 2008. But he hasn't done much else since.

Similarly, the Texans have accumulated NFL caliber talent. But they have yet to take the next step and become a playoff team. The answer as to why the team, or Jones, has not taken the next step is not clear cut.

Jacoby Jones, out of Lane College, is blessed with speed to accompany his 6'2" frame. He can beat almost any defensive back in the league in terms of speed. In addition to running like a deer, Jones is quick and can leap.

But, Jones has hands made of stone. In 32 career games, Jones has 20 catches. He also has seven fumbles and countless drops.

On back to back plays against the Tennessee Titans, Jones dropped one pass and scored on the next play. Even on the touchdown, the ball rolled loose as Jones rolled into the end zone.

Every time he's involved in a play, I hold my breath. I hope for the best, but I often cringe for the worst. We all remember his jumping for a punt and turning the ball over.

Even the game in which Jones scored his first offensive touchdown, Jones nearly caused multiple Houston Texan fans to develop blood pressure problems. Calling for a fair catch inside the ten yard line, Jones muffed the catch.

The Titans recovered and the game seemed nearly over. By a stroke of luck, seemingly, the officials returned the ball to the Texans because of an obscure fair catch rule.

The player signalling for the fair catch must be allowed an opportunity to catch the ball. So, in essence, until the ball touches the ground, nobody but the return man can touch the ball. Had the call not been made, Jones could have cost the Texans the game.

Luckily, the Texans were not harmed by Jacoby's special teams gaffe. His offensive plays were somewhat better. But when Kevin Walter and Andre Davis return, expect Jacoby to return to a substitute package role.

In an overall analysis, I think it's fair to say that Jones has not developed into the playmaker the Texans envisioned when drafting Jones in 2007. Is he still worth a roster spot? Can Jones be "coached up" to become a productive player?

In my opinion, I believe this is the last season Jacoby Jones will be a Houston Texan. What do you think?